WHAT HAPPENED
Nyima Nwagua strike on 38 minutes cancelled out a Chisom Okereke's 20th minute goal as we rounded off 2023 with a frustrating draw against Bendel Insurance at The Adokiye Amiesimaka Stadium.
In a high-key first half, the Benin Arsenal were first to spring to life when Chisom Okereke slotted in from close range as we failed to clear our lines.
But moments later we burst forward and Alex Oyowah saw his shot from inside the area squirm just past the near post after an initial save from Amas Obasogie in goal for Bendel Insurance. With clear-cut chances few and far between, we came closest through Joseph Onoja whose shot on target was deflected by our own player for a goal kick in the 26th minute before later seeing Obasogie make another save off the boots of Kazie Enyinnaya on 30 minutes.
Patience was the name of the game, and we created our best chance and drew level as Alex Oyowah found Nyima Nwagua inside the box. Our captain turned his marker intelligently before sending a chip pass Amas Obasogie with 7 minutes remaining of the half.
Sadiq Abubakar's shout for a penalty 5 minutes into the second half fell on dear ears as he went to the ground after what looked like a push from behind. We came close to taking the lead when, on the hour mark, Alex Oyowah and Andy Okpe combined well on the edge of the area before Obasogie saved from our top man.
As the clock ticked on, our urgency increased but we continued to find it difficult to find a way through, while Amas was called on to make a sharp save from Kazie Enyinnaya late in the game as both teams had to settle for a share of the spoils.
WHAT IT MEANS
With 16 points from 11 matches, we sit in 16th position on the NPFL log but with 5 outstanding matches left to be played.
WHAT’S NEXT
We travel to the Pantami Stadium on Sunday January 7, 2024 for a blockbuster clash with Gombe United.
Credit: Rivers United Media
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